allegations

Winsage
May 22, 2025
Microsoft employees have discovered that emails containing specific terms related to Gaza and Palestine, such as “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “Genocide,” are being blocked in the company's internal communication system. Variations of these terms, like “Israel” or “P4lestine,” do not face the same restrictions. The No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group claims this selective blocking is an attempt to suppress free speech among employees advocating for Palestinian rights, labeling it as censorship. Microsoft has acknowledged making adjustments to its email system to limit the circulation of “politically focused emails” and stated that emailing large numbers of employees about non-work-related topics is inappropriate. This situation has coincided with protests against Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government, including disruptions during the Build developer conference.
Tech Optimizer
May 20, 2025
Procolored, a printer manufacturer based in Shenzhen, has been accused of distributing malware designed to steal Bitcoin through its printer drivers. The malware, embedded in USB drivers, has reportedly stolen approximately 9.3 BTC, valued at over 3,000. A backdoor program in the compromised drivers can hijack wallet addresses copied to the clipboard. Users are advised to conduct system scans and consider a complete system reset. The issue was first highlighted by YouTuber Cameron Coward, whose antivirus software flagged the malware. Procolored denied the allegations but later acknowledged the problem, stating they removed the infected drivers and attributed the malware to a supply chain compromise. Cybersecurity firm G-Data confirmed the presence of two types of malware in the drivers.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
SAG-AFTRA has filed a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Epic Games for using artificial intelligence to voice Darth Vader in Fortnite without prior notice or negotiation. The union emphasizes the need to protect performers' rights and accused Epic Games of failing to engage in good faith negotiations regarding changes to employment terms, specifically the replacement of human actors with AI-generated voices.
AppWizard
May 16, 2025
Bungie has acknowledged that some assets in the upcoming game, Marathon, were improperly sourced from artist Fern "4nt1r34l" Hook. Following her public allegations, Bungie confirmed that a former employee included unauthorized artwork in the game, and that individual is no longer with the company. Bungie is conducting a comprehensive review of its art assets to prevent further plagiarism and is implementing stricter protocols for documenting artist contributions. The company has reached out to Hook to address the issue and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices in the creative process.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Nextcloud, a European software vendor, has raised concerns about Google's treatment of its Android Files application, which has over 800,000 users. The issue centers on the "All files access" permission, which was revoked by the Play Store in 2024, impairing the app's functionality. Nextcloud argues that alternatives like the Storage Access Framework (SAF) and MediaStore API are inadequate for their needs. The app has been able to read and write all file types since its launch in 2016 without security concerns from Google until the recent revocation. Nextcloud claims that Google's policies are stifling competition and that they have faced bureaucratic inefficiencies in addressing their complaints. Despite having a fully functional version on F-Droid, the Google Play version is restricted. Nextcloud has previously lodged a complaint with the EU regarding Microsoft's anti-competitive behavior, and they express frustration over the lack of action taken. They believe larger tech companies are trying to suppress smaller competitors.
AppWizard
May 2, 2025
Signal, the encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity due to increased media attention on the White House's Houthi attack plan scandal. The app's usage has risen as public perception shifts, with many viewing Signal as a champion of privacy amidst concerns about data breaches and surveillance. The app has reported a notable increase in daily active users, and market analysts anticipate potential expansions and innovations as competitors take note of Signal's success. The scandal has led to discussions about privacy and security, particularly affecting key figures within the U.S. government.
AppWizard
April 30, 2025
American Oversight has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and several individuals, including Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Amy Gleason, and Steve Davis. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Federal Records Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) due to the use of the Signal messenger app and Google Docs, which purportedly compromised public records and transparency in government operations.
AppWizard
April 29, 2025
The Russian government has taken control of Lesta Studio's assets, which manages Wargaming's interests in Russia, due to allegations of extremist activities involving Wargaming's CEO, Victor Kislyi, and Lesta Studio's head, Malik Khatazhaev. Wargaming exited the Russian and Belarusian markets in April 2022, divesting its local assets to Lesta Studio at zero cost and on a debt-free basis, and currently holds no assets or business interests in those countries.
AppWizard
April 25, 2025
The European Center for Digital Rights (NOYB) has accused Ubisoft of excessive data collection practices related to the game Far Cry Primal, which may violate GDPR regulations. Players reportedly connected to external servers 150 times within ten minutes of launching the game, including connections to Google, Amazon, and Datadog. Despite being a single-player game, it requires an internet connection for ownership verification. NOYB has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding data transmission to external servers.
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